Efficiency of iodine supplementation, as potassium iodide, during lactation: A study in neonates and their mothers

Iodine is an essential trace element, required for brain development of the foetus and in early postnatal life. This paper evaluates the effect of iodine supplementation during lactation in women living in Asturias (north of Spain). dine contents in breast milk (BMI) of premature and full term mothers, receiving during their pregnancy and lactation an iodine supplement (200 μg of KI/day), were compared with those of non-supplemented mothers. The iodine contents in premature and full term formula milks were also evaluated. Furthermore, the urine iodine (UI) in mothers and in both breast- and formula-fed children was also measured. s showed that extra iodine supplementation with KI during lactation, as recommended by WHO/UNICEF and ICCIDD, is appropriate, and appears to be safe for mothers and neonates. Moreover, breast milk appears to be a better source of iodine for the babies than are formula milks, especially for premature infants.